IVS: More of an adventure than an academic reward Past Review
By Kristin S (Anthropology., Western Washington University) for
InPlace: Ladakh - Himalaya Cultures & Ecology
I learned some valuable travel lessons on how to deal with Indian business and some important independence lessons. Overall, my trip only cemented my want to major in Asian studies of some sort with an anthropological slant, helping people (perhaps Tibetans?) in some way or another.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | N/A |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not feel that we received enough academic information on this trip at all. We did have the ocassional reflective essay, but there were no readings during the trip and very few helpful lectures. The leaders seemed very distant and not very willing to help. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We did not receive nearly enough academic lectures, the leaders were distant and very disorganized. I didn't feel they were able to sufficiently answer questions about the areas we travelled to and their knowledge seemed very limited. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
If you are a vegetarian, I would not suggest coming. India is vegetarian, but it is difficult to voice this restriction to people who don't speak english very well, and I think you miss out on some cultural experiences if you refuse to eat their home dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were able to see the Dalai Lama talk, but make sure you have a radio, otherwise it's all in Tibetan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It is difficult to get healthcare in India, but our leaders made sure we were able to get what we needed. India is the dirtiest country, I think I can say this in all honesty, so you must be careful about food, water and a lot of basic things you're used to doing. Everyone got some sort of sick at least once, but we are all okay and had a good time. Just take care of yourself. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want acadamic information and learning, don't go. If you want an experience to get a whirlwind dip into the world of travelling, go for it! You can make quite a few connections on this trip if you look right, but you won't learn much academically. |
